09/24/2025
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Two Shepherds Safe at Last
What an incredible effort it took to bring two beautiful shepherds to safety. This rescue was nothing short of remarkable, with teamwork, compassion, and determination shining through every step of the way.
These two dogs appeared out of nowhere during the last week of summer in a remote section of New Hampshire. Even though the days were warm, the nights were already turning bitterly cold, and the wilderness around them was full of dangersâcoyotes, bears, and heavy traffic nearby. Yet no one had reported them missing, no vehicles were abandoned along the roads, and no injuries had been reported. They seemed to have simply arrived, frightened and alone.
The first person to reach out was a kind woman named Jazmin, who tried to befriend them but quickly saw how scared they were. She still made sure they had food, showing them compassion when they needed it most. Shortly after, the Bethlehem Police contacted us for help. Their question was simple but urgent: where could these two dogs go if caught?âbecause there was no holding kennel in the area.
Our Granite State Dog Recovery team responded immediately, setting up a camera and food. From the hilltop, you could both see and hear the dogs barkingâwary but watching. We knew we could catch them, but first, we needed a safe place for them to land. Thatâs when Riverside Rescue stepped up, generously offering them a soft place to rest once captured. With that reassurance, we quickly loaded traps into our vehicles and drove 90 miles to the site. Once there, our team members cleared away brush and carefully set the traps, preparing the area so the dogs would feel as safe as possible.
The teamwork didnât stop there. Renee, a deeply caring local citizen, showed extraordinary dedication. At 1 a.m., she even got into her car and followed the sound of their helpless barking until she located the area where they were staying. Later, she offered to help check food and manage the traps once they were in place. Through the night, we watched on live feed as the female bravely tested the trap while her brother stood guard, watching her every move.
The next morning, the male cautiously entered and exited the trapâalways on alert. With rain in the forecast and coyotes always lurking nearby, the decision was made to set the traps for real. Renee rebaited with the high-value food we had supplied her, checked the traps multiple times, and then waited. Hours passed with no sign of the dogs. Then finallyâsuccess. The male entered, and the trap safely closed behind him. His sister, barking in protest, circled the trap as if asking us to release him. Within moments, and after one last cautious check, she too entered the second trap. Both were finally safe.
Renee stayed by their sides until Sharon from Riverside Rescue arrived. Following protocol, the traps were never opened in the woodsâbecause if a frightened dog escapes once trapped, youâll likely never get them again. Instead, the two shepherds were loaded carefully and transported to safety, where they could begin their stray hold and be scanned for microchips.
We are endlessly grateful:
To Riverside Rescue, Inc. for opening their doors and hearts.
To the Bethlehem Police Department, who tried tirelessly to help and called for backup when needed.
To Renee, whose courage and compassion gave these dogs a fighting chance.
To every motorist and caring neighbor who reached outâyou were the voices these dogs didnât have.
Without that teamwork, these two could have wandered further into danger, been struck by a car, or fallen victim to wildlife. Instead, they now have a safe place to rest.
This is what true collaboration looks likeâneighbors, rescuers, police, and another rescue organization, all working together to protect lives.
If you are the owner of these dogs, please come forward with their names, history, and medical records. And to everyone readingâcontinue to speak up. These dogs found safety because people cared enough to make the call.
Together, we make a difference.
